Event Calendar
GLEN ARBOR, MI — A deal has been struck. Papers have been signed. The King’s Challenge Golf Course in Cedar is now under new ownership and promises to become one of the top golf destinations not only in northern Michigan but in the entire United States.
“The course is now owned by a group of local investors with a profound interest in having exceptionally high quality golf in Leelanau County,” says Bob Kuras, president of The Homestead in Glen Arbor and the man named to head the new operation.
Set amidst green meadows and the rolling, hilly hardwoods forests typical of the county, this Arnold Palmer “signature course” was already regarded by local golfers as secluded, scenic, and as serenely beautiful as it was challenging and rewarding to play. Those who played the old King’s Challenge and thought it a good course are going to be delighted with what’s coming, according to Kuras.
Right now there are only three other public golf courses remaining in Leelanau County: the Dunes Golf Club in Empire; the old course at Sugar Loaf course; and The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms.
Investors in this project are not simply looking to add another course to the roster. The goals, according to Kuras, are to create nothing less than a golf course that can compete on a national level, which should serve to boost tourism in Leelanau County, employment opportunities for local residents, and increase revenue for local businesses.
A long and ambitious list of improvements is under way, starting with a thorough upgrade of the already beautiful course with help from the Arnold Palmer Design Company and Wadsworth Golf Construction Company, two of the most respected firms in the business.
“The quality of Palmer’s work is known throughout the world. And, Brent Wadsworth is a friend and seasonal neighbor who has built 800 golf courses including those at some of the most prestigious clubs in the world. We are fortunate to have Brent as an adviser, and contractor,” says Kuras.
In addition to the work on the course, substantial interior and exterior renovations to the clubhouse will go hand-in-hand with plans to provide food and beverage services featuring local products. A cart pavilion, staging area, and new maintenance building will also be constructed.
In keeping with a long tradition of responsible environmental stewardship and protection of the region’s natural resources, all of the improvements are being planned, built, and managed to qualify for the Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program and the LEED (the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, according to Kuras.
“We’re anxious to open the course,” says Kuras. “Construction will begin May 1, 2009.” The work will be done in stages to allow the course to reopen as soon as possible this year.
Visit King’s Challenge Website >>>>
Manitou Music Festival - July & August
Categories: Entertainment, Featured
Founded in 1991 by members of the Glen Arbor Art Association, the Manitou Music Festival takes place in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County, in the Northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
JULY PERFORMANCES
Northport Community Band - FREE - July 3
Mulebone - July 8
Shout Sister Shout - Steppin’ In It with Rachael Davis - July 12
Blue Origami - July 15
Josh White Jr. - July 22
Photographers & Kat Eggleston - July 26
Jeff Haas & Friends - July 30
This “Land of Delight” has long attracted artists, writers, musicians and vacationers with its dramatic settings of towering dunes, pure inland lakes, lush hardwood and pine forests and the majesty of Lake Michigan.
The Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz, and folk music in idyllic outdoor & family friendly locations. See you this summer in Glen Arbor!
Visit Manitou Music Festival Website >>>>
July 25 - July 25, 2009 - Suttons Bay Blues Festival - Tickets are $20/person
Visit Suttons Bay Blues Festival Website >>>>
L. Mawby Summer Picnic Series - July 18, July 26, August 1 & August 9
Categories: Entertainment, Events, Featured, Wine
L. Mawby is once again hosting a series of summer sparkling wine picnics in the vineyard. The 2009 series will feature two luncheons catered by North Shore Catering and two dinners catered by Jim Milliman.
This will be the first year for North Shore to cater picnics at L. Mawby and we are looking forward to their creations. The luncheons will be offered on Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 9, both starting at 1 p.m. The picnic will feature a 3- course meal and 4 sparkling wines. Cost is $40 per person and advance purchase is required.
Dinners will be catered by Jim Milliman (formerly of Hattie’s and Hanna) on Saturday, July 18 and Saturday, August 1. Its been a few years since Jim has catered for us and we are thrilled to have him back to prepare a five course meal paired with six sparkling wines. The dinners begin at 6 p.m. and cost is $70 per person. Advance purchase is required.
All picnics feature commentary by Larry Mawby, followed by a guided stroll through the vineyard for those guests wishing to do so. Visit www.lmawby.com or call 231.271.3522 for more information.
The Dune Climb - Sleeping Bear Dunes
Categories: Recreation
Everybody wants to climb the Sleeping Bear Dunes, so come to the Dune Climb located north of Empire on M-109. You will find pure, wind-blown sand to climb, then run or roll down the dunes to the picnic area for a break and some refreshments and then head up the dune again.
Climbing the dunes is great exercise and there is a beautiful view of Glen Lake from the top. With the parking lot and picnic area at the base of the dune, you can stop climbing when you get tired and let gravity bring you back down.
This is a great playground for kids of all ages. The memories created here draw us to bring our children and grandchildren here to share the fun and create their own memories.
Those who have a lot of energy can take a hike on the Dunes Trail to Lake Michigan. This is the most strenuous trail in the park. While only 3.5 miles round trip, it is all sand and you will find climbing the dunes all along the trail to be a challenge. This is especially true on hot, sunny days. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take lots of water. The hike is worth the effort, because you will see a variety of wildflowers and the sight of Lake Michigan is outstanding. Don’t forget, you have to walk back.
There is also a handicap-accessible interpretive trail at the Dune Climb which identifies the local wildlife and shows how the dune is moving
Visit The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Website >>>>
The Homestead named “Best of the Best” by readers of The Oakland Press
Categories: Featured, Leelanau, Resort, The Homestead
GLEN ARBOR, MI — Here’s one election-year question to get excited about: If you could nominate your choice for the best resort you’ve ever visited, what name would you write on the ballot?
That was the question posed to the 222,500 readers of The Oakland Press in their 2008 “Best of the Best” Readers Choice Awards. After the votes were counted, The Homestead received top honors.
“The question was wide open. It didn’t specify ‘best resort in northern Michigan’ or even Michigan in general,” says Kary Archer, an advertising representative for the Pontiac- based daily serving Detroit and all of Oakland County. “So really, our readers could have named any resort they wanted.”
The Reader’s Choice Awards have been an annual event at The Oakland Press for the last five years, but this year’s win is a first for The Homestead. “Best of the Best” winners were announced in a special tabloid section of The Oakland Press on Sunday, May 4th.
As this year’s Readers Choice winner in the category of “resorts,” The Homestead has exclusive rights to use the “1st Place, Best of the Best ” logo in their advertising. But even more important is the satisfaction of knowing that the resort’s spectacular accommodations have made a serious and memorable impact on the valued guests who have visited this amazing coastal retreat in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
“This award is a real honor because it comes from the people,” says Jamie Jewell, Senior Manager at The Homestead. “It’s also a validation of our commitment to delivering excellent service, programming, and facilities that are second to none.”
At a time when many northern Michigan resorts are scaling back their services and amenities due to trying economic times, The Homestead is actually enjoying a period of exciting growth, according to Jewell. One major reason—an amazing number of repeat customers. About 80 percent of departing guests surveyed at The Homestead say that they plan to return.
“Bookings are up forty-percent over last year at this time,” say Jewell. “We’ve expanded our guest services with the grand opening of our new spa and fitness center, our new wedding venues, and beautiful convention center. Plus, our Lifetime Skills Programs in tennis, golf, and fly fishing continue to be amazingly popular.”
Media Contact:
Jamie Jewell 231.334.5524 or jamie@thehomesteadresort.com
Visit The Homestead Website >>>>
The Homestead - Leelanau County
Categories: Leelanau, Lodging, Resort, The Homestead
Lake Michigan’s spectacular vistas make this a resort unlike others. The color of the water–sometimes blue, sometimes turquoise, sometimes golden–is one reason why. Another is relaxing along the water. You and each member of your family or group can do as much or as little as you like. That’s why this resort is celebrated, both near and far, as The Homestead, America’s Freshwater Resort.
The Homestead
Wood Ridge Road
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
231-334-5100
info@thehomesteadresort.com
Visit The Homestead Website >>>
16 bedroom; 19 bathroom 22,000 sq ft “cottage” on Northport Bay. Sleeps up to 64. Full kitchen, dining room seats 64. full recreation room, fitness center, 12 person hot-tub. Private 6.5 acres with 340 ft of frontage. Rented in it’s entirety only.
Northport Bay Retreat
6512 West Bay Shore Drive
Northport, Michigan 49670
231-935-0111
mikea@traverse.com
Northport Bay Retreat Website >>>
Our cottage is located just a few miles from the village of Northport. In the village you will find dining, shopping, indoor pool, hot tub, heath club, marina, boat rentals and everything you need for a wonderful vacation in beautiful Leelanau County. After spending a day on 100 feet of private Northport Bay frontage, you can spend your evening relaxing in front of the fireplace with your family and friends or you can marvel at the stars while roasting marshmallows on the beach. This quiet, waterfront vacation home just outside the village of Northport. Enjoy your summer vacation in a secluded , waterfront setting among hardwoods. The interior of this lodge style home has just been redone, and boasts an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, skylights, wood floors, new furniture and gorgeous waterfront views. Privite Beach.
Northport Cottage - On Grand Traverse Bay
Near Northport on Grand Traverse Bay
Northport, MI
231-271-3384
Northport Cottage - On Grand Traverse Bay Website >>>
Your summer cottage rental is awaiting you with all of today’s amenities. Slow down for your week in Leelanau! Relax with a glass of wine on the private beach and marvel at the colorful sunsets. Both cottages have large open decks, high speed wireless internet, cable television, stunning decor, fully stocked kitchens. Each is equipped with a grill for your cookout. Each cottage has 75 feet of private sandy beach that is unshared. There are both shallow and deep water areas - this is great for families with small children. Both beaches have a designated firepit for enjoying cozy sunsets on cool summer nights and marshmallow roasts.
Stoney Point Cottages
543 S. Stoney Point Rd
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
231-271-3384
info@leelanauvacationrental.com
Stoney Point Cottages Website >>>
Sleeping Bear Resort has clean, modern lakefront cottages with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms for your northern michigan stay. The sleeping bear resort offers log cabins that range from large lodges to cozy cabins. choose from: *6 Bedroom ” bears den “, cabin 5 bedroom lodge, & 2 bedroom cabins. We welcome children! there is a complete play area and a water trampoline where kids can have a great time, and grown ups can relax nearby! all this, and more, at rates that are more than affordable. We are a short distance from the sleeping bear dunes, golfing, Traverse City and many other attractions!
Sleeping Bear Resort
7670 N. Reynolds Rd.
Lake Ann, MI 49650
231-642-7000
info@sleepingbearresort.com
Sleeping Bear Resort Website >>>
We offer a comfortable cottage directly on Little Traverse Lake. There is a spacious deck overlooking the water with 2 large picnic tables for outdoor dining. The entire living room which faces the lake is windows that overlook the spectacular sunset views that northern Michigan has to offer. There is a large, knotty pine living room with a cathedral ceiling and a massive fieldstone fireplace, a fully-stocked kitchen with a gorgeous lake view, and a screened-in porch. The 3 bedrooms consist of one room with a king size bed, a second room with a queen bed, and a third room with 2 sets of bunk beds with double beds on the bottom and twins on top.
Cozy Cottage on Little Traverse Lake
Between Leland and Glen Arbor
Glen Arbor, MI
(231) 271-4066
Cozy Cottage on Little Traverse Lake Website >>>
Located right on the shore of West Grand Traverse Bay just south of Northport, we are close to four seasons of fun: art galleries, antique stores, wineries, fine dining, fishing, skiing, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and the Leelanau Sands Casino. Our private, 150′ sandy beach and well kept units and grounds against the background of Grand Traverse Bay and Leelanau County ensure that your stay will be scenic, peaceful and quiet.
Sunrise Landing Motel & Resort
6530 N. West Bay Shore Drive
Northport, MI 49670
1-800-488-5762
Visit Sunrise Landing Motel & Resort Website >>>
Sunny Woods Resort / Motel & Campground
Categories: Lodging
Located on the Platte River, Sunny Woods offers a variety of lodging accommodations ranging from clean, comfortable motel rooms to cabins, and campsites. Every motel rooms has a small refrigerator, microwave oven, in-room coffee, phone, cable television and air conditioning. Rooms are available with either a single, queen-size bed or two, full-size beds. The heated, full-size swimming pool and kids play areas are located on the resort and available for all the motel room guests. The onsite convenience store is open evenings if you desire a quick snack before relaxing for the night.
Sunny Woods Resort / Motel & Campground
14065 Honor Hwy (US-31)
Beulah, Michigan 49617
231-325-3952 or 1-800-347-9728
Sunny Woods Resort / Motel & Campground Website >>>
Betsie Bay Inn - Frankfort
Categories: Lodging
An historic Inn in downtown Frankfort lovingly restored by Geoff & Lesley Perkins. Two blocks from gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches. We offer comfortable spacious rooms - some w/spas, saunas, steam showers, balconies & lofts, or just a cozy room with private bath to relax in. Casual and fine dining, pub/tavern, Old World wine cellar, Scottish gift shop, banquets, and meetings. Open year ’round. Geoff & Lesley Perkins. 231 Main St. Frankfort, 49635. Ph: 231-352-8090 or Toll free 877-352-8080.
Betsie Bay Inn
231 Main St.
Frankfort, MI 49635
877-352-8080
lesley@betsiebayinn.com
